Method and apparatus for making flanged containers



Sept. 3U, 1930. H H, CLARK 1,776,888

METHO AND APPARATUS 'FOR MAKING FLANGED CONTAINERS Filed July 25,-1927 5 Sheets-Sheat l SPt- 30, 1930. H. H. CLARK 1,776,888

' METHOD ND APPARATUS Foa MAKING FLANGED CONTAINERS Filed July 23, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 m Am.. .3% A

Sept. 30, `1930. H. CLARK 1,776,883

,l .ISTHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING FLANGED CONTAINERS.

Filed July 25. 192'?v 5 Sheets-Shut 3 'Ja MM5 Moana UNITED f- STATES r HORACE H. CLARK, OFNEW'YORKN; fr'.

i i Application medniiy 23,

- This invention relatesto improvements in method and apparatusforfmaking Iianged containers.

' l 4One ofthe objects of this inventionisto ders, perfumes', 'pills and the .like which WillA 'have perimetric yintegral flanges forming produce boxes or containers for holding'povv stops for covers and byfreason ofthe integral Y' formation vproviding for lthe box increased fio strength, rigidity and durability Vand making thebox capable `Without rupture of. Withstanding climatic changes, such as ,encounteredin crossing theocean; to produce from blanks ofV a moldable material. suchVV as paper tainers having integral"bottoms'andintegral` stock or like fibrous.mate rial,` boxes orcon- 1 perimetric flanges; to provide arnethod by Which such 4perimetric integral flanges `may be pressed from the materialof thebottom and side Walls of a container having a bot-tom initially formed `integrally with the` side walls; to provide lainethod lwhereby a ange integral with thegbottom and side Walls may be formed onthejouter. perimeter; andin `the l plane of saidbottom portionlofthe container tor provide ,a stop for a Aremovablecover; toVV provide amethod Wherebythe bottom portion of a blank of general cupshaped form yproduced by the usual screenmethod will be initially compressed Ato produce la rudi mentary flange or initial projection, bulge or extension around `the perimeter of such bottom andsaid blankis subsequently `fur-ther compressed around the cylindricalbody and bottom to further ext-rude materialand to completely form a ange ofthe desired Width' `and Shape, said subsequent compressionpref erably beinginitially exerted on the cylindrie v y cal Wall and thereafter exerted on the bottom and wall conjointly; toprovidel apparatus and preferablynovel compressing dies,fone for compressing one portion of the, blank, such as the bottom While permitting the junction with the other portionV to remain free so as to producea rudimentary flange at such junction, and anotherde for. compressing the entireblank against an internal core, butv ii'rstv compressing'y the uncompressed body part of the said blank to further force or pressmaterial outwardly toward and about molded blank suchasusedbymeg 1527. SeriallNo. 207,89;

iai-einen@'with-filmati@ 'aliaftheifaffa- While continuing pressure on said body, again compressing'v theV 4bottom and rudimentary flange to form thecompleted flange',

invention comprisesthe combination ofmem-4 bersarrd arrangement ofA parts socombined as to coac t andvcoopferate vvitlieach-other-inthe perforinanceofthe vfunctionsandthe accom? Vpl ishnientof the results herein contemplated, `and comprisesin vone of its adaptations the speciesorpreferred form illustrated in the accompanying, drawings, in' tvhich: l,

. Fig. 1 is'erection ofanauncompressed l, Fig# 2 is a Section vshovv'ingtlie b la am a plaag-@mbe iniaalyccmprased-m producen rudimentary bottomjiiange;

Fig.f8,is a viewsimilar toFig.f`2,shoWing the blank compressed"betweenvthe plunger 7 0 Y Fig. 7 is a view similar fte-Fig. 6,.slovving the die sections and plunger in pressure-exa ertingposition.; j 85' Fig. 8 is an 'end-elevation of one of the die section sy..y f Fig.`f9 is a section "of thefinished flanged boxwlien removedzfrom the apparatus after compression asfshovvnin Fig. 7; f i 90 to 7 'Ofa :moded forni; ofY finishing die and plungergmechanism inpressureeexerting.- i'

position, 'the parts ofthe.fd-ielbeing arranged in .substantiallyreversed lor; inverted..v relaiV p tionship to the parts 'shownin Figzfl;

Fig, V11 is alplan viewofthe die'shownin Fig. l 1Q Awith the-plunger removed," and-, Fig. l2 is aV fragmentary 'section on Tthe line 12412 of Fig. 11.1-

Fig. 10 isa vertical, central 'section similar y side wall toward the bottom.

Referring now to these drawings, 1, (Fig. 1) indicates a cup-shaped blank having a cylindrical side wall 1 and an integral bottom 1, the blank 1 preferably being molded by the depositing of pulp in a suitable screen or perforated mold. The cup-shaped blank 1 thus formed, while still in a wet, plastic condition, preferably has a portion, and as shown, the bottom portion compressed while the edge or junction thereof with the other part is free. The bottom, as shown, is so compressed between a plunger 2 and a die 3. The plunger bhas agconvex bottom 2 `and the die plate has a concave depression 3 of a curvature substantially parallel .with the conveX portion 2 of the plunger 2. It 'will be noted that the curvature of the engaging surfaces is inthe direction ofthe uncompressed body portion and that said concave depression, while being substantially parallel, is of greaterdiameter than the width of the plunger'so that when the plunger is forced downwardly, the bottom 1 of the cup-shaped blank will be compressed and material forming arudimentary or partial flange 4 will be forced or extruded outwardly between the concave and convex surfaces of the plunger 2 and a die plate 3, the bottom 1a ofthe blank 1 being compressed and shaped into convex form. These blanks so initially compressed are then inverted-and permitted to dry whereupon the bottom 1a willdrop so as to provide a concave outer'surface' and a convex inner surface. I preferably permitthe blanks to'dry for a period of days when the material will assume a substantially dry condition, though a considerable percentage of the waterwill still be contained therein. l

When vso dried, thev partially i compressed blank is then inserted in the finishing die, two forms of'which are shown in the drawings, which first compresses the side wall while the junction portion with its rudimentary flange is still uncompressed so that material for the flange is further pressed or forced from the j Thereafter pressure is applied on the bottom portion while pressure on the cylindrical side wall is maintained, the result being that the material extruded initially from the bottom by the plunger 2 and from the side wall by the sectional die will be consolidated into a flange which will be integral with the bottom and side wall of the container.

The finishing die shown in Figs. 5 to 8inclusive comprises a base 10 having groovesfll in which four jaws 12, have a limited sliding motion. Each jaw has a projection 13 eX- tending downwardly into a lower groove 14 in the base' 10, and 15 indicates compression springs nested in said lower groove 14 bearing on lugs 13 normally tending to force the jaws 12 outward. Lateral motion of these jaws is limited by fpins 13 operating in limited openings 14 and by. upwardly projecting lugs 16 on their upper inner corners cooperating with the retaining ring 17, which rests on the tops of the jaws. 18 indicates guide blocks for jaws 12, said blocks being formed in or fastened to the base 10 in any other convenient manner.

19 is a cylindrical core placed centrally of the'apparatus, and 2O is a stripper ring surrounding the core 19 and located between said core and the die sections 12. Said ring 20is movable upward by means of arms 2l projecting downwardly through openings 22 in the `base and connectedby an annular ring 22 below said base. The stripper ring is of a thiclmess equal to the thickness to which it desired to compress side walls of the finished container or box.

23 is an exterior plunger supported over the die-jaws and movable along the line of the airis ofthe core 19. This plunger is hollow and has a'flange 24 which extends downwardaround the jaws'12. The outer edges of the jaws 12 have inclined surfaces l2a and the inner surface .24 of the downwardlyextending flange 24 is given a complementary incline so that, when the plunger 23 descends, the interior surface 24a ofthe flange 24 will wedge down on the exterior surfaces 12 ofthe jaws 12 and force them inward toward the core19;

The upper inner corner of each jaw 12 is cut away at 12J to conjointly form an annular recess (see Figs. 5, 6 and 7) in which annular recess space is provided for the rudimentary flange ofthe blank and within which additional moldable material, which is temporarily left uncompressed by the blank-engaging side walls of the jaws, may be' forced or squeezed to form the desired flange on the container to be molded. According to my improved process, a

blank which has been previously formed be,

tween the plunger 2`and die 3 to provide a rudimentarj7 flange 4, is dropped between jaws 12 over core 19, as shown in Fig. 6, plunger 23 and flange 24 being raised to permitthis, and the jaws being held apart by theV springs 15. The plunger 23 is then forced down asshown in Fig. 7, the ,cooperatinginclined surfaces 12a and 24 forcing the jaws toward the core 19, and compressing the side walls 1a of the blank in the manner indicated in s aid Fig. 7. The die recess 12'), however, leaves the material of the bottom la and the rudimentary `flange 4 uncompressed and undisturbed during a portion of the compression of the side wall. During the last fraction of the downward travel of the plunger 23, it bears upon the bottom 1L of the blank while maintaining pressure against the wall, thus further compressing the bottom against the top of the core 19 and compacting the wall and bottom to uniform or other predetermined thickness and also completing the compacting and shaping of i Vpeated.

the `perfected flangejiL within the groove 12bl (see Figs.6and7)." -i Y The plunger 23 isthenlifted,the stripping j vaccessibility:forLtheifeedingfof bl'anks.- In this ;nishing diethe complementary inclines or Vwedging surfaces are reversed and the l l thesidewall and bottom*ofthe/blank.` As ilplunger member is formedin sections to en-` able the blank to bemorereadily positioned Y in its seat over the core;

` In this embodiment shown in saidiFig-s. to 12, a wedge member is stationary and hollow or c upfshaped and is provided with a' vertical flange portion 31 havingan upwardly` and outwardly-inclined surface 131. Ar-

ranged within the flange portion 31 ofsaid hollow wedgel member: 30 and cooperating therewithare blanlrcompreseion members for lustrated, the side-wall compression members comprise al series of four jaws 32 mounted in a frame, movable vertically and comprising a bottom plate 34 fand a ring l38 suitably spaced by blocks 40. This frame is movable vertical# l-y` andv carries the. jaws'V 32 which'are movablei radially therein towardand away from a centrally-locatedcore 33 also mounted in orcarV-f` if: ried byV said frameA yRadial `compression Y movement is,"asshown, imparted to the jaws 32 by providing them Withfinclines 32 `complementarytothe inclinedasurfaces.3l7ofthe `flange `Bland adapted to cooperate with and "I ride upon the 'saidinclined or conical surfaces 3l of the vekteriorflanges 3l of the saidi base portion 30," Upon depression 'ofthe frame,

l `thejaws '32 willengage the interior surfaces 3l of the said flange 3l and willride `down `on its vstationary incline rwhich movement will force .thevsaid` jaws 32to slide inward towardthe core 33. The slidin movement! of lthe jaws is preferablylimi'te relation to lthe b'ase'plate 34 and, as. shown, each jaw hasiafV fe projection 35 extending downwardly into'a groove 35in the base plate 34 and 36 indif cates compression 'springs nested in grooves 35 and bearing at one end against"thedown#` wardly-projecting lugs and at the other end against the wallf'of'al groove 35. These springs normally tend to force the jaws 32V `into Contact with'the inclinedv surfaces 31.L

l The said frametis normally moved into elevated position soas to permit a separationof -f the jaws from Athe coreiby said springs 35. Y

This elevation 1 is imparted `by.` expansion s rinOs 37 arran ed in `Ofrooves 37 in thebase P a e member 30. The radial movement of the jaws 32 Lislimited in oppositedirections by thev edgesof the ring 138 which iitsingrooves`39 opposite positions against shoulders 39 fand 39a respectivelyY The ringy 38: preferably also` rests intermediate each of the jaws in grooves 40. inthe stationary blocks 40 which are provvided with a straight outer edge/41 which lfit within grooves 42 on theinteriorwall of the flange 3l, these `blocksjlcOfbeing,` fastenedV to the Vsaid :rings by `scre`ws43 which extend downwardly at opposite sides of each ofthe are arranged toslide radially, and' saidV slidL ing movementis limited, as aforesaid, by the shoulders 39.', V39%which" contact with the inner andouter edges 38', 38a of the ring 38. r

inthe npperedges of the j aws 32 and abutsin "mi blocks 40Linto'the, basel membeij34. These 'blocksf40fwith thefring'38 and base* member 1 34 thus formtheframeinwhich the jaws 32- 4. lIn the preferred embodiment of myinven tion downward compression movement is'fim-f parted to the side-wall compression jaws by .w "plunger 44.: 'This plunger is also utilize/dto l es compress the bottom ofthe blank and, as illustrated, isformed of two vsections 45 and46,

a majin andan auxiliary plunger section;

ee ."moivement, Forthis purpose the main plungl'- er section 45 carriesfthe auxiliary :plufngerl Vwhich are arranged to have a limited relative section46 which is`preferablyprovided `with Y ast'e1n47seated within arhollow stem-seat 48 inthe stem 49'of1theinainplunger member 45an'dyis normally "forced outwardlyaway `1 .fromsaid-mainplungermember145by a com- 2 pression spring 494V surrounding the stem- 47, the said two parts preferably being connected together by arslot and pin connection, a pin 50 passing through the hollow stem L9-and through aslot 5l in the stem 47'so that a slot xandpin connection is provided between the twoA parts of the plunger member 44. Said plunger section`V 46 is alsof preferably seated within a shallow groove 52 inthe outer plungj er 45and has its lower surface`46 preferably slightly concave and adapted to contact with the upper surface'of the blank B inserted be# tween the die sections and the core 33. Obviously in-thisform of die andplunger Vdistance uncovers the blank seat and enables the blank to beinsertedjtherein with a shorter movement of the plunger. *Fu rthermore`,fthe i formationof the plungerjintwo parts enmechanism, the raising ofthe plunger 'a short j ZAA ables,*upon depression ofthe plungeigthe M vtop portionl ofthe blank to be initially compressed against the action of the spri1`ig'49.

Further movement ofthe plunger will cause fthe two sections to move together. The jawsr lwill be moved inwardly'inv a radial direction to oonjointly compress the side walls `and the .plunger `section46compressing thebottom Iportion of the blank. This Ycompression by the plunger .44 is exerted against the action of the springs 37. lhen the plunger iselevated but a slight distance, the bottom Aofthe,

blankwill be exposed. Release of pressure by the plungerV willalso `cause theupwardv movement of the die-frame carrying the slidingjaws, which jaws will thereupon be moved outwardly by the action of the springs 36 to release the blank.

In the preferred embodiment of my invention, the core; is provided with a depressed stripper scat 33 communicating with a central bore 33* in which Yis seated a stripper 53 having a stem 53 extending throughthe bore 33a and preferably also extending -through a bore 30 in the bottom member 3() so as to have a portion 53a extending below saidbottom portion to permit a'raising of the stripper and astripping thereby of the blank from the core while the plunger is raised and during the outward radial movement of the die sections. The stem l332* of the. stripper is preferably provided with a vent hole 33h to prevent occlusion of air between the stripper and the bottom of the blank. Any suitable power may be applied to the plunger to cause a compression of the blank. Vhen the plunger is lifted or raised, the .stripper may be forced upwardly to strip the molded cup vfrom the core 33, whereupon a fresh blank is placed around the core and between the same and the die sections, and the open.- tion is repeated. f

lWhile I have shown dies shaped to form a circular container, dies producing boxes or containers of any polygonal cross section could be substituted and other changes made in the detail construction of the various parte without departing from the principle of my invention so long as my improved product is produced or my novelv method is followed or so long as the apparatus employed is capable of producing initially lateral compression of one portion toward a junction and the subsequent compression of the other integral portion to form the desired flange.

It will be seen from the above that I have produced a container comprising a body portion provided with an integral bottom and an integral flange at the junction of sa'idintegral portions; that such a flange is preferably formed in the plane of the bottom;V that such a flange in the piane of the bottom will not only provide a stop for the usual cover which is passed exteriorly over the cylindrical portion of the container, but will reinforce the said container, greatly increasing the rigidity and durability thereof; that in a box so formed the bottom will not part from the cylindrical body as often happens when the two portions are formed by gluing one to the other that boxes made in accordance with my invention will withstand exceedingly rough usage; that they may be carried about by the user without rupture; that they may be placed 'upon radiators or other warm surfaces without danger of melting the glue or otherwise separating the bottom from the body portion; that such boxes will withstand changes of temperature, particularly such as is encountered in crossing the ocean, it being understood that in the use of this box as a container for powder, perfumes or the like, it is frequently compelled to be transported across the ocean and, furthermore, boxes may be so formed in accordance with my invention as to extend beyond the usual cover of the container, so that a complete box thus formed will be reinforced by this strong, rigid and durable bottom flange and in fact that junction between the side wall .and the bottom becomes the strongest and most rigid portion ofthe box and that the conventional weak joint is eliminated.

Having described my invention, l claim l. The method of forming boxes or containers consisting of taking a cup-shaped blank, initially forming thereon at thejunction between the bottom and side wall rudimentary flange and subsequently completing said flange.

2. The method of forming boxes or containers consisting of taking a cup-shaped blank, initially compressing` one p ortion of said blank while at one side of the junction between the bottom and side wallv leaving the portion of the blank at the other side free to form a rudimentary flange, and then compressing the other portion of the blank to produce a finished box having a completed flange.

3. The 4method of forming boxes or containers .consisting of taking .a cup-shaped blank, compressing` the bottom portion upon the interior and exterior of the blank while permittingthe junction portion of the side wall to remain uncompressed to form an initial rudimentary flange, subsequently compressing the side walls while temporarily leaving said junction with its` rudimentary flange free `from compression and thereafter compressing said bottom portion and rudimentary liange to produce a completely finished flanged box.

4. The method of forming boxes or containers consisting of taking a cup-shaped blank, first, compressing between an axiallymoving plunger and adie the bottom portion of the blank while permitting the junction with the side wall to remain uncompressed to form an initial rudimentary flange, subsequently exerting radial pressure by radiallymoving members on the side wall while temporarily leaving the junction portion with its rudimentary flange free from compression, and thereafter again compressing said bottom portion and rudimentary flange to produce acompletely finished flanged box.

5. rlhe method vof forming boxes or containers "consisting of taking a cup-shaped blank, first, compressing the bottom portion into an arcuate form while permitting the junction with the side wall to remain uncompressed to form an initial rudimentary flange and a bottom having increased area and subsequently i exerting radial pressure by radially-moving memberson the side wall of Asaid cup-shaped blank while temporarily leaving the junction portion with its Y rudimentary flange freev from compression and thereafter compressing Ythe bottom and rudimentary flange simultaneously with the side wall portion to produceva completely flanged box. v

6; Apparatus for forming boxes, embodying, in combination, means for .initially forming on a moldedV cup-shaped blanka rudimentary liange and independent means for applying pressure on the exterior cylindriof the bottom cal surface ofthe blank and also applying pressure on the bottom exterior and interior container'.

7. Apparatus for forming boxes, embody# ing, in combination, a plunger and a die having cooperating pressure-exerting parts bent to applyl pressure radiallyron a portion of a blankand to extrude material radially out-V ward.

8. A multiple-part die for forming cups with exteriorly flanged bottoms,which com- Y prises the combination of a central core, a

V.ao

final compacted form. Y 9. A multiple-part die -for forming cups plurality of radially movable exterior diejaws each notched at one corner to leave space for the flange to be molded, an exterior plunger in line with said core, and mechanism operating to initially force said jaws inwardly to compress the sides ,of the blank and to subsequently force said plunger down on theA bottom of said blank, whereby the material around the bottom of said blank is forced into with exteriorly flanged bottoms, which comprises the combination of a central core, a plurality of radially movable exterior diei jaws each notched at one corner to leave space for the flange to bemolded, anv exterior plunger in line with said core, and mechanism operating toI initially force said jaws inwardly to compress the sides of the blank and to subsequently Aforce said plunger down on the around the bottom of said blank is forced into final compacted form, and in which said jaws have inclined .outer surfaces and saidiplunger portion' to finish the flanged lj vprises thecombination of a central core, a

forced -vinto `iinal `compacted form, and` whichl said jaws are normally forced away d from said core by suitable springs. j v

11. A multiple-part die for forming cups with exteriorly flanged bottoms, which com- VVprises'the combination of a central core, a

vplurality of radially movable exterior diejaws each notched at one corner to leave space V for the ian'gerto be molded, an exterior plunger in line with said core, and mechanism operating to initially force said jaws inward`V ly to compress the sides of the blank and to subsequently force said plunger down on the around thebottom of said blank is forced into final compacted form, and a movable stripper plate resting on the end of said core.

12.. multiple-part die for forming cups with exteriorly anged bottoms, whichcomplurality of radially movable exterior "diejaws each notched at one corner'to leave space bottom of said blank, wherebyV the material for vthe flange to; be molded, an exterior plunger in line with saidcore, andmechanism operating to initially force said jaws 'inwardly to compress the sides of the blank andto subsequently forcesaidplunger down onthe bottom of said blank, whereby the material around the bottom ofsaid blank is forced into final compacted form, and also having a ring engaging recesses in said jaws for limiting their radial movements.` y

' In witness whereof, I have signed my name l.to theforegoing specification.

HORACE H, Y CLARK.

has an inwardly inclined flange adapted Vto `I surroundand engage said jaws.

10. A multiple-part die for forming cups',

with i exteriorly -ianged bottoms, which comprises the combination ofacentral; core, a plurality of radially movable exterior diejaws each notched at one-corner to leave space 1 i' Y for theV flange tobeV molded, an exterior plunger in line with said core, and'mechanism operating to initially forcesaid jaws inwardly` to compress the sides ofthe blank and if to subsequently force said plunger :down onl the bottomrof saidblank, wherebyvthe material around. the bottom of said lblank .is j Y izo` 

